Hand Sanitizer shortages across the globe is spawning panic as coronavirus outbreak spreads.
Shoppers have flooded to drugstores to stock up on hand sanitizer and masks as the coronavirus outbreak in the United States has worsened.
In the past week, demand for hand sanitizer has soared 1,400%.
Some stores have started introducing quotas per customer while others are increasing prices to profit off the global panic. Amazon has even banned thousands of users for price gouging.
But we've got you covered here.
Learn in this DIY article two recipes on how to make your own alcohol-based hand sanitizer and witch-hazel based hand sanitizer with ingredients you find at home – but keep in mind that alcohol would be a better choice than witch hazel.
DIY: How To Make An Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
2. DIY Recipe for alcohol-based hand sanitizer
This process should only take about 15-20 minutes.
Mix the alcohol and aloe vera gel in the bowl
If you want the solution to be thicker, add another spoonful of aloe vera.
Or thin it out by adding another spoonful of alcohol.
Add the essential oil
Lavender, clove, cinnamon and peppermint essential oils have the added benefit of providing additional antiseptic properties to the mixture.
Essential oils should be added one drop at a time, stirring as you go.
After about 8 drops, smell the mixture to see whether you like the scent.
If it seems strong enough, stop there. If you like a stronger scent, add a few more drops.
If you don't like the lavender, clove, cinnamon, and peppermint scents, it's fine to use whatever scent you enjoy. But try to choose some that have antiseptic properties.
Funnel the mixture into the container
Pour your new homemade hand sanitizer in the disinfected container and then screw on the lid until you're ready to use it.
If you have made too much sanitizer, save the leftover in a jar with a tightly-fitted lid. If kept at the optimal temperature, it will last for months.
But if you prefer not to use alcohol in your hand sanitizer (smell and drying skin effect) try our witch-hazel based sanitizer recipe below:
DIY: How To Make A Witch Hazel-Based Hand Sanitizer
1. Ingredients you need for a witch hazel-based hand sanitizer
Here's what you'll need to make your witch-hazel based sanitizer at home:
- 1 cup pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons witch hazel
- 30 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Funnel
- Plastic container
Where can I find the ingredients?
In any pharmacy and on Amazon.com. Even grocery stores may have them but you would probably pay more there.
Warning
- Again, please make sure to properly disinfect the bowl, spoon, funnel and container with boiling water before use, as boiling is sufficient to kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
- And don't forget that hand sanitizer should not replace hand washing; just use it when you really need it as it can dry and injure the skin of your hands.
- Do not put in the eye! If it does get in the EYE, wash out immediately, or seek medical help as quickly as possible.
2. DIY Recipe for witch hazel-based hand sanitizer
This process should only take about 15-20 minutes.
Mix the aloe vera gel, tea tree oil and witch hazel
To do so, use the spoon to mix them together well. The mixture should be completely smooth.
If the mixture seems too thin, add another spoonful of aloe vera.
In contrast, if it's too thick, add another spoonful of witch hazel.
Add the essential oil
The smell of the tea tree oil is strong. So go easy on the added essential oils.
Five or so drops should be enough.
If you want to add more, add in one drop at a time.
Preferably use lavender, clove, cinnamon and peppermint essential oils since they provide additional antiseptic properties to the mixture.
Pour the mixture into the container
Place the funnel over the mouth of the container (both have to be disinfected with boiling water prior use) and pour the hand sanitizer in.
If you have made too much sanitizer, save the leftover in a jar with a tightly-fitted lid.
So now you have two recipes to make your own hand sanitizer at home. So don't panic, if your pharmacies are running out of commercial products, you will be good, since you know how to make your own DIY hand sanitizer.
Meanwhile, coronavirus cases are increasing dramtically. So be very careful and follow what your doctor and the CDC are telling you. Keep healthy!
